San Francisco, California, United States
A dynamic enterprise leader and active counselor across clients and sectors, J.J. Carter is President & CEO of FleishmanHillard. In that capacity, J.J. focuses on accelerating growth for the company, delivering transformative work for clients, and creating a best-in-class experience for employees. Regarded as a trusted advisor to brands in their biggest moments and on the largest global stages, J.J. has counseled clients through IPOs, CEO transitions, product launches, mergers and sponsorship activations. He excels at connecting brand, business strategy, technology and leadership into cohesive narratives that resonate with employees, customers, investors, business partners and media alike. Prior to becoming President & CEO, J.J. spent eight years as Global COO and President of the Americas, where he led FH through a period of unprecedented growth. During that time, the firm distinguished itself as an industry standard-bearer for profitability, inclusion and recognition — earning multiple Agency of the Year accolades from Campaign, PRWeek, ICCO, and PRovoke, and topping Best Places to Work lists for LGBTQ+ equality and female executives. J.J. has been with FH since 2005 and has held a variety of key leadership roles, while also recruiting transformative leaders across key markets, global accounts and practice areas. As an active counselor, J.J. provided guidance for the NBA’s expansion into China, and led global accounts with Visa, Nike’s Jordan Brand, Callaway Golf, the Women’s Tennis Association, Electronic Arts, and GoPro. He is a veteran communicator of nine Olympic Games, having led work for the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee and US Ski and Snowboard Association; sponsorship programs on behalf of Visa, Alibaba Group and BMW North America; and major event work for individual athletes, among them international media events with the world’s most decorated Olympian, Michael Phelps. Before joining FH, J.J. was an accomplished global leader in sports marketing and communications, having led communications for the Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons and the Association of Tennis Professionals. A graduate of the University of North Carolina, J.J. earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication with a concentration in public relations. He serves on the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media advisory board, and in 2023, he co-founded the Carter-Tinson gallery which celebrates student work that amplifies underrepresented voices and social change. J.J. was inducted into the NC Media & Journalism Hall of Fame in April 2024.
• Oversee all aspects of the firm’s operations. • Focus on accelerating growth for the company, delivering transformative work for clients, and creating a best-in-class experience for FH employees.
• Led FleishmanHillard through a period of unprecedented growth, during which time the firm distinguished itself as an industry standard-bearer for financial and consulting excellence, employee experience, inclusion and recognition. • Guided the firm to earn multiple Agency of the Year accolades from Campaign, PRWeek, ICCO, and PRovoke, and topping Best Places to Work lists for LGBTQ+ equality and female executives. • Recruited transformative leaders to FH across key markets, global accounts and practice areas.
• Drove consistent, profitable growth across North America while increasing employee and client satisfaction and retention. • Served on FH’s global senior management committee and led a variety of key growth areas including offices and global client accounts. • Doubled FH U.S. West footprint though focus on integrated communications and marketing, healthcare and technology.
• Expanded the audience for tennis while managing media relations, digital properties, event operations, and crisis management for players, tournaments, and tour executives. • Introduced Swiss superstar Roger Federer to the American public during his ascension to the world No. 1 ranking. • Helped craft the image of American standard-bearer Andy Roddick and provided valuable media and image coaching during his meteoric rise to stardom.
• Served as the team’s primary contact for all communications matters, and directed all appearances related to media, sponsorship, and community initiatives. • Provided counsel to numerous NBA all-stars including Grant Hill, Jerry Stackhouse and Ben Wallace, and helped transition Pistons legendary player Joe Dumars to team president in 1999. • Served as a consultant on all events at the Palace of Auburn Hills, one of the nation’s most profitable entertainment venues. Among those events were the NCAA Regional Basketball Tournament, Heavyweight Championship Boxing, WNBA, Arena Football and more.
• Provided ongoing media coaching to NBA MVPs Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki, as well as Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson. • Launched the team’s first-ever digital presence on NBA.com. • Supported campaign for public funding referendum for construction of American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas. • Supported successful Rookie of the Year campaign for NBA Hall-of-Famer Jason Kidd.